Is an early job application how to land a top tech contract?

The Early Bird’s Advantage: Can an Early Job Application Secure You a Top Tech Contract?

The world of tech contracting is fiercely competitive. With each job post, a flood of applicants rush to submit their CVs, hoping to land that coveted contract. But is it simply about being the first to apply? Or is there something more to the idea that early applicants have an edge? The phrase "the early bird catches the worm" is well-worn, but in the context of tech contracts, does it hold any weight?

In the midst of a rapidly evolving job market, particularly in the tech sector, contractors are left wondering if submitting an early application really is the key to securing those lucrative opportunities. To explore this, we’ll look at the dynamics of tech recruitment, the psychology of hiring managers, and the experiences of contractors themselves.

The Nature of the Tech Job Market: Fast-Paced and Ever-Changing

Tech is one of the fastest-moving industries in the world. With new technologies emerging almost daily, the demand for skilled contractors can shift overnight. A company may post a job seeking a cloud engineer or a cybersecurity specialist, and within hours, the listing could receive dozens—if not hundreds—of applications.

This is particularly true for highly specialised roles, where the number of qualified professionals is limited. In such cases, timing can feel crucial. If a company is in urgent need of talent, they may review applications as they come in, rather than waiting for a set deadline to close the job posting.

But is it really about speed? Or is it about standing out in a sea of applicants?

The Hiring Manager’s Perspective: First Impressions Matter

Picture this: a hiring manager opens a job posting at 9 a.m., and by noon, they’ve already received a handful of applications. With a busy schedule and multiple roles to fill, they might begin reviewing CVs immediately. If an application catches their eye early on, it could set the tone for the entire recruitment process.

This is where the psychology of early applications comes into play. Human nature often leads us to favour what we see first. Known as the "primacy effect," this cognitive bias suggests that the first information we receive tends to have a stronger impact on our decision-making than what follows.

For hiring managers, this could mean that the first few applications they review are more likely to stick in their minds, especially if the candidate meets the essential criteria. In contrast, later applications may be judged more critically as the manager compares them to the early submissions.

But there’s more to the story than just being first in line.

Quality Over Speed: The Importance of a Tailored Application

While an early application may grab a hiring manager’s attention, it’s the quality of the application that ultimately matters. Contractors who rush to apply without taking the time to tailor their CVs and cover letters to the specific role risk being passed over in favour of those who invest time in crafting a thoughtful and targeted submission.

It’s important to remember that tech companies are looking for more than just technical skills. Cultural fit, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability are all key factors in hiring decisions. A generic application, no matter how early it’s submitted, is unlikely to stand out.

Take the example of Sarah, a software developer with a decade of experience. She recalls applying for a tech contract just minutes after it was posted, confident that her early submission would give her an advantage. But weeks passed, and she heard nothing. Frustrated, she reviewed her application and realised she hadn’t tailored it to the company’s specific needs.

After reworking her CV and cover letter to highlight her experience with the company’s preferred tech stack and her ability to work in agile environments, she resubmitted her application. Within days, she received an interview request.

Sarah’s experience highlights an important lesson: while submitting an early application can help, it won’t make up for a lack of personalisation.

The Role of Recruitment Algorithms: A Digital Gatekeeper

In today’s digital age, it’s not just human hiring managers you need to impress. Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter through the large volume of applications they receive. These systems are designed to scan CVs for keywords and rank candidates based on how closely their experience matches the job description.

For contractors, this means that even if you submit your application early, it may not be seen by a human unless it passes through the ATS. To improve your chances, it’s essential to use the right keywords and ensure your CV aligns with the job’s requirements.

However, ATS systems can also introduce delays in the hiring process. Even if a hiring manager is ready to review applications, they may not see your CV until the system has processed all submissions. In this case, the timing of your application may be less important than ensuring it’s optimised for the ATS.

Contractor Experiences: Timing Isn’t Everything

Many contractors have mixed feelings about the importance of early applications. While some swear by the strategy, others have found success by taking their time and submitting well-crafted applications later in the process.

Tom, a data analyst, shared his perspective: “I used to think that applying early was the only way to get noticed, but I’ve learned that it’s more about the quality of your application. I’ve been hired for contracts where I applied a week after the job was posted, simply because I took the time to really understand what the company was looking for.”

Tom’s experience echoes the sentiment of many contractors who have found that while an early application can help, it’s not a guarantee of success. What truly matters is demonstrating your value to the company and showing that you’re the right fit for the role.

So, Does an Early Application Really Matter?

In conclusion, the answer to whether an early job application can help you land a top tech contract is: it depends. While applying early can give you a slight edge by ensuring your CV is seen sooner, it’s not a magic bullet. The quality of your application, your fit for the role, and how well you navigate both human and digital gatekeepers are far more important factors.

For contractors, the best approach is to strike a balance. Don’t rush to submit a half-baked application just to be first in line. Instead, take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to the specific role, while still aiming to apply within the first few days of the job posting.

Ultimately, it’s not just about being the early bird. It’s about being the right bird for the job.